9 of the most iconic and gag-worthy diva duets of all time. You’re welcome.

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9 Diva Duets That Will Leave You Gagging
What’s better than one iconic diva? TWO, duh.
by Cody Gohl
October 30, 2015

Bette and Wynonna

Gays love Divas. Whether it’s something deeply embedded in our DNA or something we learn from our queer forefathers and mothers, we live for these fierce and powerful ladies.

We love many things about them (their vocal athleticism, their costumes, their grace, their drama), but what we love most of all is how unapologetically Diva-like they are, how even in the face of other Divas, a Diva always believes herself to be the one true Diva.

Which can make for an interesting situation when a Diva takes the stage with another Diva to perform a duet. And when Divas diva together, we listen.

Below, 9 of the most iconic and gag-worthy diva duets of all time. You’re welcome.


  1. “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here,” Barbra Streisand & Judy Garland

    Really, what is there to say? Babs and Judy, two of the greatest belters of all time, are absolutely dynamite in this duet from Garland’s The Judy Garland Show. Their powerful voices soar, but what’s especially amazing here is the respect and affection the two divas so clearly shared for one another.

  2. “Shame, Shame, Shame,” Cher & Tina Turner

    We could’ve filled this entire list with duets from Cher’s deliciously campy variety show Cher, but we decided we’d just share our favorite, the infectious duet “Shame, Shame, Shame,” she performed with Tina Turner.

    These two divas look like they’re having the time of their lives as they dance and shimmy across the stage, exhibiting a playful and goofy sexiness that’s simply enthralling to watch.

  3. “The Rose,” Bette Midler & Wynonna Judd

    Perhaps an odd match, but Wynonna and Bette deliver a gorgeous interpretation of Midler’s “The Rose.” Judd’s dark vocals compliment Midler’s light vibrato, providing a contrast that elevates the original into something far more nuanced.

  4. “Say a Little Prayer,” Natalie Cole & Whitney Houston

    Take an Aretha classic, rework it with two powerhouse vocalists, throw in a couple of statement blazers and you wind up with this electric duet from Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. This is Houston and Cole at the top of their game. Not only are their vocal feats on POINT, but their fun and flirty back and forth is insanely watchable.

    Excuse us while we hit replay into infinity.

  5. “Stand By Your Man Medley,” Dolly Parton & Tammy Wynette

    Two of the defining voices of the most dynamic era of female country music come together here for a medley that can only be described as sublime. Dolly’s lyrical twang and Tammy’s sultry earthy vocals are a perfect match as the two work their way through a handful of Tammy’s biggest hits.

  6. “Proud Mary,” Beyoncé & Tina Turner

    The very definition of iconic, this duet between Beyoncé and Tina Turner is one for the history books.Tina is full Tina and Bey is full Bey and the result is something really amazing. Though the vocals are ~fine~, it’s thrilling just to watch the Queen of Rock ”˜n’ Roll perform alongside the only modern artist who comes even slightly close to matching her legendary energy.

  7. “I Know Him So Well,” Whitney & Cissy Houston

    This duet between Whitney Houston and her mother Cissy Houston is a simple one, but also a deeply meaningful one. It’s a joy to see where The Voice got her voice and the two carry off this number with a grace that makes this duet a real class act.

  8. “Coming Out of the Dark,” Aretha Franklin & Gloria Estefan

    The Queen of Soul and the Queen of Latin Pop make for an interesting pair, but one that works wonders on this inspiring Aretha classic. The two bring very different styles of soul to the song, but neither style overpowers the other, which makes for a number that is controlled and dynamic.

  9. “Got To Be Real,” Mariah Carey & Patti LaBelle

    It just doesn’t get better than Mariah Carey and Patti LaBelle singing “Got to Be Real” together. The two are made for this song, though honestly we’d probably pay to watch them sing the phonebook, so who are we to judge.

  10. BONUS: “Natural Woman,” Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Carole King, Shania Twain

    Because how could you stumble upon this video and NOT include it on a diva listicle?

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